How to Write Your First Story: Examples and Templates
Start your first story by choosing a simple premise, creating one main character with a clear goal, and following the basic three-act structure: setup (introduce character and problem), conflict (obstacles and complications), and resolution (how the problem is solved). The key to finishing your first story is keeping it short (1,000-3,000 words), focusing on one main event, and writing consistently even when it feels imperfect—you can always edit later.
Step 1: Choose Your Story Premise
Simple Premise Formula
Use this simple formula: [Character] wants [Goal] but [Obstacle] stands in their way.
Example Premises
- Romance: Sarah wants to ask her crush to prom but her fear of rejection holds her back
- Adventure: Tom wants to find his lost dog but a thunderstorm makes searching dangerous
- Mystery: Detective Chen wants to solve the bakery theft but the only witness is a five-year-old
- Fantasy: Maya wants to master her new magic powers but they only work when she's angry
Story Idea Generators
Character-Based Ideas
- A shy librarian discovers a magical book
- A retired superhero tries to live normally
- A time traveler gets stuck in the wrong era
- A chef who can taste emotions in food
Situation-Based Ideas
- Two enemies trapped in an elevator
- A job interview for a secret organization
- The last person on Earth finds they're not alone
- A family dinner where everyone has a secret
Step 2: Create Your Main Character
Character Development Template
Name: [Choose a name that fits your character] Age: [Relevant to your story] Main Goal: [What they want most in this story] Main Obstacle: [What's stopping them] Personality Trait: [One dominant characteristic] Background: [Brief relevant history] Fear/Weakness: [What makes them vulnerable] Strength: [What helps them succeed]
Character Example
Emma's Character Profile
- Name: Emma Rodriguez, 16 years old
- Goal: Win the school science fair to get a scholarship
- Obstacle: Her experiment keeps failing, and the popular kids are sabotaging her
- Personality: Determined but insecure about her abilities
- Background: First in her family to aim for college
- Fear: Disappointing her hardworking parents
- Strength: Creative problem-solving skills
Step 3: Structure Your Story
Three-Act Structure Template
Act 1: Setup (25%)
- Introduce your character
- Show their normal world
- Present the main problem
- Character decides to act
Act 2: Conflict (50%)
- Character tries to solve problem
- Obstacles and complications arise
- Character struggles and learns
- Everything seems hopeless
Act 3: Resolution (25%)
- Character finds solution
- Final confrontation/challenge
- Problem is resolved
- Show character's growth
Story Outline Example
"Emma's Experiment" Outline
Act 1 (250 words):
Emma needs scholarship money for college. She decides to enter the science fair with an eco-friendly battery design. Popular student Brad mocks her "weird" project.
Act 2 (500 words):
Emma's battery keeps failing. She discovers Brad and his friends are sabotaging her workspace. She tries working at home but lacks proper equipment. Her confidence crumbles when her parents struggle to help with bills.
Act 3 (250 words):
Emma realizes she's been overthinking the design. She simplifies her approach and finds an unexpected ally in her little brother's creativity. She wins second place—enough for a partial scholarship—and gains confidence in her abilities.
Step 4: Writing Your First Draft
Daily Writing Schedule
Week-by-Week Plan
- Week 1: Plan your story and create character profiles
- Week 2: Write Act 1 (aim for 200-300 words daily)
- Week 3-4: Write Act 2 (the longest section)
- Week 5: Write Act 3 and basic editing
First Draft Tips
- Don't edit while writing: Focus on getting the story down first
- Write dialogue naturally: Read it aloud to see if it sounds realistic
- Show, don't tell: Instead of "Emma was nervous," write "Emma's hands shook as she mixed the chemicals"
- Keep it simple: One main plot line is enough for your first story
Step 5: Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid These Pitfalls
- Starting with too complex a plot
- Creating too many characters
- Trying to write the "perfect" first draft
- Giving up when the middle gets difficult
- Info-dumping background information
Success Strategies
- Set small, achievable daily goals
- Focus on one main character's journey
- Write the ending even if it's rough
- Share with supportive friends or family
- Celebrate completing your first draft
Step 6: Simple Editing Guide
First Edit Checklist
- Read the whole story: Don't stop to fix small errors
- Check the plot: Does it make sense from beginning to end?
- Review character consistency: Does your character act believably?
- Fix major plot holes: Address any confusing parts
- Polish dialogue: Make sure it sounds natural
- Proofread for grammar: Fix spelling and punctuation last
Share Your First Story
Completing your first story is a major achievement! Whether it's 500 words or 5,000, you've created something that didn't exist before. Consider sharing it with friends, family, or a supportive writing community to get feedback and encouragement for your next story.